Pathology · single question
A sinus tract has been draining for 2 years. Which inflammatory cell type PREDOMINATES?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Lymphocytes
Acute inflammation (first hours–days): NEUTROPHILS dominate. Chronic inflammation (weeks–months–years — like a 2-year sinus tract): LYMPHOCYTES and macrophages/plasma cells predominate. Lymphocytes are the hallmark cells of chronic inflammation. Macrophages may also be prominent but lymphocytes are the most characteristic chronic inflammatory cell.
- A. ❌ Neutrophils are the ACUTE inflammatory cell — predominate in the first hours to days.
- B. ✅ Lymphocytes predominate in CHRONIC inflammation — the hallmark of long-standing lesions like a 2-year sinus tract.
- C. ❌ Eosinophils are associated with allergic reactions and parasitic infections — not the primary chronic inflammatory cell.
- D. ❌ Mast cells are in acute allergic reactions — not the primary cell in chronic inflammation.